OBITUARIES

Raymond Melton Mills

Published

3 years ago

06/09/2023

February 27, 1963 – May 30, 2023
BOWIE – Raymond Melton Mills, 60, passed away suddenly on May 30, 2023.
A celebration of life will be hosted by his children from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on June 11 in the Chapman Building at 116 W. Wise Street in Bowie. It will be a come-and-go memorial event. His children look forward to gathering with friends and family to remember their dad.
Raymond was born Feb. 27, 1963 in Wilbarger, TX to Oza Ray Mills and Mary Elizabeth Denney. He grew up in Archer City with his five siblings. In his senior year of high school (1982), his classmates voted him to be “Mr. School Spirit” and “Friendliest.” He also was a talented football player for the Archer City High School Wildcats. As a young man Raymond was the lead singer in a Christian rock band called “Seventy Times Seven,” named for Matthew 18:22. Music became a permanent passion in his life and he frequently sang to his friends and family.
From 1990-2020 he was married to Julie Bonham Mills and was blessed with one stepdaughter and five children. Raymond will be fondly remembered by his children as a fun, loving, charismatic and spontaneous father who loved family time. They especially remember watching movies on Friday nights.
He was a hard worker in whatever endeavor he undertook, and his entrepreneurial spirit resulted in many blessings for his family. In 1992 until his passing, Raymond was the president and owner of Mills Bit Service Inc., which was a longtime, successful business related to oil exploration. He was fondly known as “Red” to his customers and even developed his own drill bit line: Life Force PDC.
His children and grandchildren brought him endless joy and happiness. Raymond loved them fiercely and was a proud “Papa.” His favorite thing was taking selfies with them, which are photos they are grateful to have. In his most recent years, he enjoyed traveling the world for business and pleasure. He journeyed to Israel, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Scotland, Russia and Mexico.
Raymond loved God and was devoted to his Messianic faith. His favorite book of the scriptures was Psalms. His generous spirit resulted in many acts of kindness and he often shared his faith with others.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved son, Joel Ray Mills. This time of mourning has been extremely difficult for his family members, but they know he is rejoicing in the presence of his Heavenly Father and is comforted by being reunited with his son, Joel.
Raymond is survived by his children, Marlaina McKnight and husband Trey, Cassie Smith, Joshua Mills, Mary Beth Miller and husband Michael and Rebekah Mills; seven grandchildren, Bryson, Brylee, Branson, Laramie Sue, Clara, Adele and Olivia; siblings, David Mills, Tom Mills, Eddie Mills, Debbie Poore and husband Ray and Brenda Sentell and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Paid publication

OBITUARIES

Frances Jean Richey

Published

2 days ago

11/12/2026

bowienews

December 13, 1939 – November 2, 2026
CHICO – Frances Jean Richey, 86, went to be with our Lord on Nov. 2, 2026.
A memorial service is at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 14 at New Hope Fellowship Church in Chico. The family will receive friends from 6-7:30 p.m. at the church.
Frances was born on Dec. 13, 1939 to William Lester and Lulu Elizabeth (Williams) Trotter in Jolly.
She was united in marriage to Bobby Carroll Richey on Jan. 10, 1959, in Bowie; they were together for 60 beautiful years before his passing in 2019.
Frances earned her bachelors degree in education from Texas Woman’s University and devoted many years as an elementary school teacher. Teaching was more than a career; it was an opportunity to share her kindness, encouragement and love with others.
Her faith was also a treasured part of her life, and she was a devoted founding member of New Hope Fellowship Church in Chico. Frances was a patriotic American, a very proud Texan and a long-time Texas Ranger fan, attending games since 1972.
Frances leaves behind a legacy of love, faith and the many lives she touched along the way. Frances was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law and friend to many who will miss her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; siblings, Darrell Trotter, Lenora Trotter, Nell Jones, Louise Wood, and Odis Harold Trotter; son-in-law, Glenn Reed and her godchild, Clint Cox.
Those left behind to cherish her memory are her children, Pamela Reed, Paula Remily and her husband, Steve, Doug Richey and Donnie Richey, all Chico; 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; siblings, Margie Turnbow and Elaine Scruggs, Bowie and Carroll Trotter and his wife, Susan, Wichita Falls; sisters-in-law, Janet Myers and her husband, Bill, Leander and Anna Hand and her husband, Jimmy, Chico; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to New Hope Fellowship Church at P.O. Box 526 or to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to the Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.

Paid publication

OBITUARIES

Penny Lynn Thomas

Published

2 days ago

11/12/2026

bowienews

April 28, 1966 – October 28, 2026
NOCONA – Penny Lynn Thomas, 60, died on Oct. 28, 2026. A celebration of life honoring her will be held at a later date.
She was born on April 28, 1966, Penny was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend whose greatest joy in life was her family.
Thomas was preceded in death by her father, Delmar Thomas; mother, Sharon Shoemake and beloved dog, Lady.
She is survived by her sons, Joshua Roper and Cody Roper; Terry Don Shoemaker; sister, Kim Ward and Linda Dean; five grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Arrangements entrusted to the Jerry Woods Funeral Home in Nocona.

OBITUARIES

Angela Gayle Throckmorton

Published

2 days ago

11/12/2026

bowienews

November 12, 1957 – November 7, 2026
TERRAL – Angela Gayle Throckmorton, 68, died on Nov. 7, 2026.
The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 10 at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
A graveside service took place at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 at Elmwood Cemetery in Bowie.
She was born Nov. 12, 1957 in Terral, OK to Wayne and Margie Louise (Martin) Jackson. She graduated from Terral High School and went on to have a lifelong career as a certified nurse assistant working for Bellmire Healthcare and Advanced Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Bowie for 35 years.
Throckmorton married Lloyd Throckmorton on May 12, 2012 in Terral.
She is preceded in death by her parents.
Throckmorton is survived by her husband, Lloyd Throckmorton, Terral; daughter, Tiffany Lyons, Temple; three stepchildren; four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.